The October 15th US tax deadline is just around the corner. Below we have put together a brief outline of how to get started and avoid the harsh penalties of the IRS’s long arm:

What is the US Expat tax deadline?

The standard tax deadline for Americans living in the US is April 15th. However US expats receive an automatic extension to June 15th, which many defer even further to October 15ths through the form 4868.

October 15th is the final deadline for filing your tax return as an American living abroad.

What do you need to file?

If you are a US expat and you earn income, you will have to file a Federal Tax Return. You will have a further state tax return to file depending on what state you resided in while in the US.

Another document you may be required to file is the FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Report), or the FACTA Form 8938. This is dependent on whether or not your foreign bank accounts meet the thresholds.

If you have never filed a tax return, you can catch up through the Streamlined Filing Procedure.